Timbers Community Update: The Timbers Army aren’t just soccer supporters

Portland TimbersThe Portland Timbers have done a lot to assist those in need with their community efforts, but they aren't the only group associated with the team that has stepped up efforts to give back. The Timbers Army have also launched targeted efforts to help repair local soccer pitches in disrepair while also helping inspire local youth through sports, art and education.

We’ve talked at great length about the efforts of the Portland Timbers to help those in need within the local community, as the organization has really extended itself to be involved as much as they can. From the Bowl For A Goal to Adopt A Club to providing community grants, the Timbers have stepped up immensely to aid many deserving groups. But they aren’t the only folks associated with the team that have elevated their efforts.

The Timbers Army, the raucous supporters group housed in the north end of JELD-WEN Field but whose influence is felt all over the park on game day, has also initiated programs to provide help where they can. The Timbers Army has a history of providing person power or funds where needed, from picking up hammers and nails for Habitat for Humanity to answering phones for Oregon Public Broadcasting to providing support for Friends of Trees and Portland Parkways. The group took a big step in consolidating and streamlining their charitable efforts by creating the 107ist, the independent supporters group that help coordinate everything from away game travel to benefits for its members. The thought behind 107ist was to help centralize many of the tasks that were falling on a relatively small group of supporters in the hopes to inspire others to assist. The 107ist board is comprised of eleven members elected for specific terms by the entire membership. Through their collective efforts, they have fostered some incredible results in a small period of time, and the hope is that two of their upcoming charitable endeavors will cement the growing reputation of the Timbers Army as a group that gives back.

View full sizeKip Kesgard, community bloggerThe Timbers Army are usually found in the north end of JELD-WEN Field singing in support for the Timbers, but they also have a history of community assistance as well.

AC Portland hopes to engage youth in the classroom and on the pitch by promoting the benefits of athletics and academics. The Timbers Army will be partnering with the Portland Timbers, adidas America, the U.S. Soccer Federation, and Oregon Sports Authority to solicit assistance from neighborhood associations, prospective businesses, and interested community members to inspire young people throughout the area through soccer, public service, arts and education. The initial details of the efforts were discussed in a kick off breakfast on July 8 at St. John’s Pub with various leaders within the Portland municipalities, but the early goal is simple: help kids in all aspects of their lives and encourage them to give back as well. You can learn more about AC Portland at their website, www.acportland.org, including details about their scholarship program and how to get involved in future efforts, including work construction parties happening later this month.

As with the Timbers, the Timbers Army wants to give back to the community through its "team, town, Timbers Army concept", and both organizations listed here are good starts. If you’d like to learn more about the Timbers Army and their charitable endeavors or help with one of the two initiatives mentioned here, visit the Timbers Army website or join the 107ist organization. For a single $25 membership fee, you can enjoy discounts at participating merchants, learn more about the game displays or away travel to other MLS cities, participate more in the Timbers Army game day experience, or give back to your community by supporting AC Portland and Operation Pitch Invasion.